Ranger finds evidence of emerald ash borer in the Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park biologist Glenn Taylor recently found evidence of the emerald ash borer in the Greenbrier section of the park.

Park biologist Glenn Taylor examines a green ash tree while looking for evidence of the emerald ash borer in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. Taylor found evidence of the presence of the tiny insect while hiking on a trail near the Greenbrier ranger station last month. The non-native invasive species is known for slowly destroying ash trees. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knoxville News Sentinel

Evidence of the presence of the emerald ash borer can be seen on this green ash in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. According to park biologist Glenn Taylor, the bark on this tree was stripped away using a knife to reveal the damage caused by the tiny insect. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knoxville News Sentinel

Park biologist Glenn Taylor holds a vial containing an emerald ash borer specimen in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. The tiny insect is known for destroying ash tree populations. Taylor found evidence of the insect's presence in the Greenbrier section of the park last month. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knoxville News Sentinel

Park biologist Glenn Taylor looks for evidence of the presence of the emerald ash borer in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. Taylor recently found evidence of the insect's damage done to ash trees in the Greenbrier area. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knoxville News Sentinel

A tiny hole created by an emerald ash borer can be seen in the bark of a green ash in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. According to park biologist Glenn Taylor, who recently noticed the insect's presence in the Greenbrier section of the park, the insects are slowly destroying ash trees in the area. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knoxville News Sentinel

A common indicator of the presence of the emerald ash borer is chunks of bark that can be found near the base of ash trees in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knoxville News Sentinel

Park biologist Glenn Taylor holds chunks of bark from a green ash that has been infected with the emerald ash borer in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. According to Taylor, once a tree is infested, a common indicator of the insect's presence is the chunks of bark that can be found near the base of the tree. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knoxville News Sentinel

Park biologist Glenn Taylor looks for evidence of the presence of the emerald ash borer in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. Taylor recently found evidence of the insect's damage done to trees in the Greenbrier area. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knoxville News Sentinel

Evidence of the presence of the emerald ash borer can be seen on this green ash in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. According to park biologist Glenn Taylor, the bark on this tree was stripped away using a knife to reveal the damage caused by the tiny insect. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)